British MPs Vote to Renew Trident Submarine Deterrent Force

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon welcomes decision to renew the UK's continuous at sea deterrent. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

“MPs on all sides have voted by an overwhelming margin, to renew our nuclear deterrent - the ultimate guarantee of our national security.

“We have voted to protect our nation from the most serious threats we may face in the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s.

“The British Parliament has sent a powerful message to our allies that Britain is stepping up its international commitments, not stepping back from them.

“We will now get on with building the next generation of nuclear submarines to help keep the nation, and our allies, safe for decades to come.”

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MPs have backed the renewal of the UK's Trident nuclear weapons system, voting 472 to 117 in favour in Parliament.

The vote approves the manufacture of four replacement submarines at a current estimated cost of £31bn.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon told MPs nuclear threats were growing around the world and Trident "puts doubts in the minds of our adversaries".

Labour was split over the issue with 140 of its 230 MPs defying leader Jeremy Corbyn and backing the motion.

A total of 47 Labour MPs voted against renewal, while others abstained.

Although Labour MPs were given a free vote, many used the occasion to attack Mr Corbyn, who is a longstanding opponent of nuclear weapons.

Two striking things about today.

Theresa May without hesitation said that she would be willing to press the nuclear button - without flinching in the face of that question, there was not a moment's doubt.

Secondly, how much agony there was on the Labour benches. The party's difficulties around Trident crystallising the divisions and doubts inside the party.

Possibly on Tuesday, but possibly not until Wednesday, Labour will know which of its MPs will take on Jeremy Corbyn in a leadership contest over the summer.

One Conservative MP, Crispin Blunt, voted against renewal while 322 supported the motion.

The Trident fleet is based at HMNB Clyde, in Faslane, but all Scottish MPs taking part in the vote except for Scottish Secretary David Mundell, were against renewal.

The SNP opposed the move, saying nuclear weapons were "immoral" and the continued stationing of submarines on the Clyde could accelerate moves towards independence. (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the BBC News website.

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